In the 2023 NBA draft, there were countless 'diamond in the rough' second-round picks selected by teams at the top of the league. The Boston Celtics snagged Jordan Walsh, and the Golden State Warriors added Trayce Jackson-Davis, yet well before either of those picks, the LA Clippers selected Kobe Brown from Missouri, whose fourth-year team option was just declined.
With a pre-draft profile that included his height (6'7"), weight (252 pounds), and NBA comparison, Draymond Green, the Clippers had their sights set on his long-term future in LA. They also had plans to use two-way veterans like Kawhi Leonard to develop him, after what the Missouri basketball program did for four consecutive years.
Unfortunately, the Clippers' developmental weaknesses have grown even steeper than they were when Brown was drafted, and with Michael Scotto of 'HoopsHype' reporting on the latest update on the two-time All-SEC forward, LA is regretting its selection over Walsh, Jackson-Davis, and even GG Jackson II on the Memphis Grizzlies.
Kobe Brown still has potential, but it will have to be maximized in another system
The most the LA Clippers saw Kobe Brown become in his three full seasons with the LA Clippers was a serviceable floor-spacing power forward who defends by using his strength at over 250 pounds.
In 87 games, Brown averaged 2.0 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists, shooting 43.6% from the field and 27.0% from three. Additionally, it is worth noting that his minutes have dropped from 9.0 to 6.8 to 4.7 in each of his first three years as a professional.
Furthermore, the Clippers could re-sign Brown in the summer to a two-year deal, annually worth something similar to his rookie contract, four years for $12.3 million, but it is doubtful, as he is still out of the rotation as a reserve.
Thus, in the likeliest outcome where Brown enters unrestricted free agency, teams will show interest in signing him. He may begin in the G-League through an NBA affiliate, but if the team is younger than the Clippers and rebuilding, his odds of eventually receiving consistent minutes following a call-up will be through the roof.
Nonetheless, when the Clippers receive word that Brown has landed his second contract, the team members who worked with him in LA and the fan base will feel proud. But, every day from today onward, there will be regret, as first-round picks are valuable, and he was not extended.